With the added info I would also recommend a 7 if not an 8. I use a 2 in the small creeks that I fish but I don't cast flies tied on 1's either. You should also try some helgamite patterns and a 'blind squirrel' if you tie your own.

I was thinking that. I might try and tie up some size 6-4 clousers over the winter. I know what patterns I need. Would a 7wt be adequate for 3"-4" size 6-4 clousers? I would like to use the same set-up for poppers and streamers.

[QUOTE=Diver Dan;507366]... I just think it's better to be overgunned than under gunned.

Dan's got it right in more ways than one

Since some of the States best smallie fishing is within a few miles from me...I fish for them 90% of the time. My go to rod is a Med-Fast 9' 6/7 I built a few years back. It will throw everything up to and including large poppers.

Largest smallie this year was only a 17' but last year I got 2 back to back 22".

I use a 5 all the time with Clousers. I even throw smaller poppers on it. A 7 wt is fine. No problems.
Those are big big Smallies, and to get two is amazing. I wouldn't be fit to be around for a week after that if it had been me.